Solomon Islands election to test pro-China leader's hold on power
The upcoming Solomon Islands election will decide if Manasseh Sogavare, its combative, pro-Beijing prime minister can secure a consecutive term and entrench the Pacific island country’s recent shift into China’s orbit.
For many observers, the April 17 poll is the most consequential for the country in half a century and a referendum on Sogavare’s embrace of China, which was rewarded by Beijing with showcase sports facilities and funding for members of parliament, but also sparked anti-China riots in 2021.
Beijing has sought influence with Pacific island nations for several decades and the Solomon Islands has become the neon signboard of its success as it seeks to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, gain supporters in international institutions and undermine U.S. military dominance in the region.
“The State Department sees Solomon Islands as where China has been able to plant its flag in the region and a considerable annoyance for Washington, D.C., and something to deal with,” said Henry Szadziewski, a researcher at the University of Hawaii’s Center for Pacific Islands Studies.
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/pacific/solomons-china-election-04152024132443.html
